Published January 29, 2007

Writing Effective Sales Messages: Sales Letter Tips

Create A Captivating Headline - The headline should be such that it is able to grab the attention of the reader immediately. The main purpose of the headline is to inspire curiosity in the reader to find out more about what the headline mentions. The trick is to create a headline that makes a promise to cater to the needs of the reader. The headline is so important that it is advisable to make more than one and then select the best one to use.

WNIF- What's in it For Me? - The body of your sales letter should tell the customer what your product will do for him. Whatever you have to offer has to be detailed in such a way so as to generate enough interest in the reader to make him want it and take action. He should be able to make out what is in it for him that is better than what is otherwise available. There is no need to try to squeeze everything into a single page.

Proof of Satisfaction - The body of your letter should be such that it would give the prospective buyer the satisfaction of knowing that he will be one among many already satisfied buyers. Include testimonials from existing customers, if possible, and as proof of your integrity, and offer a free trail period or give a money back guarantee offer.

Write to Elicit Action - Your letter should be aimed at making the reader act after going through it. Be straightforward when communicating. Make it easy for the reader by clearly telling him what he has to do, such as visiting your store or giving you a call. Make an offer of a free gift if the purchase is made before the expiration of a specified date or time.

Give a Personal Touch to your Sales Letter - Your sales communications should address your reader by name and not as, Dear Homeowner, or Dear Friend. This lends a personal touch to the letter. Preparing a mailing list is essential.

Do Not Use a Standard Letter for All Customers - Customers fall in different segments. Convincing different customers may require many different approaches. This means that the same sales letter may not work for all customers. So spend some time and thought to craft special letters for each different segment of customers. The crux is to create separate sales letters to outline and highlight the benefits that would appeal to different target segments of customers.

Make Sure to Include an Order Form With your Sales Letter - Most customers who are inclined to buy your product after reading your sales letter would like to order right away. To facilitate this, make an order form a part of your sales letter or include one in your envelope.

A sales letter is the very basis of the volume of sales. A properly created sales letter is capable of generating and boosting sales to a great extent. A good deal of care is required to frame a sales message that appeals to different segments of customers.